Top 12 Travel Essentials

Life in a VW Bus is something to get used to. It can be overwhelming renovating your bus, or even buying an already renovated bus and trying to figure out what you’ll need or problems you’re going to run into when you travel. The little things that make things easier in life are usually the ones that are easiest to forget. BusLifers wanted to lay out some great essentials to have in your VW Bus. These items are great to have for traveling long periods of time and to make your BusLife a little more comfortable and homier. We hope keep adding on to the list, but these are the top 12. 

1.Waze

This isn’t necessarily an item to have in your bus, but to have on your phone. It’s a navigation system that constantly updates itself to show any traffic or roadwork. It also shows where cops have been spotted by other users, not that you’d be speeding in a VW Bus. At least you won’t until the new microbus comes to surface which you can read about here.

2. French Press

French press coffee is usually the best coffee regardless if you’re traveling or not. There are a million to choose from but this an easy favorite. Just heat up some water and make sure you have coffee ground up and ready to go. 

3. Spare Key Magnet

Nothing is worse than getting back to your bus and realizing you’ve locked the keys inside. What makes that even worse is when your bus is your home. Throwing a spare key in a magnet like this and sticking it under the tire or wherever else you choose will save you in those situations.

4. Power Inverter

Something you should put a little investment in is one of these. This will plug right into a 12V outlet and has multiple charging ports. Perfect if you’re working on the road and need some laptop power.

5. Tap Lights

Save your bus battery and grab some tap lights for nighttime. These have magnets to move them around wherever you please or need them. Make sure you grab backup batteries to keep them lit.

6. Portable Outdoor Shower

There will be times that you might not get to a campsite. Or times that, honestly, you’re not going to want to use the campsite shower. This shower will let you shower where you want, just heat up some water and let it flow. This portable shower is a great deal and works wonders.

7. Stove

This one kind of speaks for itself but a camper stove will be a lifesaver. Choose one with 2 burners to make meals a little quicker. Packaged food gets old quick. 

8. Camping Chairs

Enjoy nice days and relaxing nights outside of the bus. Camping chairs are such a simple thing to include in this list but you’ll love you packed them when you have a bonfire going.

9. Microfiber Towels

These towels are best on the go because they dry so quickly. They’re also usually smaller and won’t take up as much room. They’re good to have handy on those dewy mornings also. 

10. Broom

Whether its beach sand or hiking dirt it’s always handy to have a broom hanging around. There’s nothing worse than tracking dirt into bed at night. It’s something you might not think to pick up for your bus but you’ll be grateful for a dirt free life, and sleep.

11. First Aid Kit

Accidents happen, best to be prepared. Just grabbing a simple kit with all the basics will do the trick. It’s also nice to get one small enough to throw in your backpack for long hikes.

12. Car Emergency Kit

Accidents happen and so do emergencies. This is your first aid kit for your bus. It’s good to be prepared for any situation.

Let us know if you have any essentials you can’t live without in your VW Bus. We’ll keep adding to the list and try to find the best deals for everyone. BusLifers can help keep you up to date for VW Bus events and keep you in touch with fellow BusLifers. Check out our community, we’d love to hear your story!